Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has spoken out after a painful moment in the Manchester derby left him sidelined and reignited debate around how skilful wide players are treated by officials in the Premier League.
The Belgian international believes he was fortunate to avoid a serious injury following a strong challenge from Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot and admits the aftermath has been frustrating, both physically and mentally.
Doku’s season has been shaped by his fearless approach. His direct running, quick feet and willingness to attack defenders have made him one of City’s most dangerous players, but they have also placed him repeatedly in the path of heavy tackles.
The incident at Old Trafford earlier this month brought those issues into sharp focus, with Pep Guardiola later questioning how the challenge was judged and how such moments are often interpreted.
Derby tackle sparks injury fears and referee debate
The flashpoint came early in the Manchester derby when Dalot’s studs caught Jeremy Doku on the knee as the winger surged forward.
The challenge immediately caused concern on the City bench, with the Belgian clearly in discomfort. Although he managed to continue and played most of the game, the effects lingered well beyond the final whistle.
Dalot was shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor, while VAR official Craig Pawson reviewed the incident and concluded the contact was “glancing and not with excessive force”.
City, however, saw it differently. Guardiola was vocal in his belief that the challenge crossed the line and later criticised Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Howard Webb for what he felt was a rushed dismissal of City’s concerns.
For Doku, the physical consequences were immediate. He missed the Champions League defeat by Bodo/Glimt in Norway and was limited to a substitute role in the Premier League clash with Wolves, a clear sign that the injury had not been minor.
Reflecting on the moment, Doku admitted how close he came to a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
“I can only say that I continued to play but it was painful to play in Norway,” Doku admitted, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
“You guys know my feelings about it. I could have [been out for a long time].
“It happened and I didn’t play in Norway but I don’t want to delve too much into it. It’s in the past now. Thankfully, I wasn’t seriously injured and I’m able to play now. That’s all I can concentrate on now.”
From City’s perspective, Doku’s absence in Europe was proof that the challenge had real consequences, regardless of how it was categorised by officials.
‘I know I am not a diver’ – Doku on fouls and reputation
Being targeted by defenders is nothing new for Doku. His game is built on taking risks, running directly at opponents and forcing them into one-on-one situations.
With that style comes contact, and plenty of it. The Belgian accepts that strong challenges are part of football, but he draws the line at suggestions that he exaggerates or goes to ground too easily.
The accusation of diving has followed many wingers over the years, particularly those who play with flair. Doku believes this reputation can influence how referees interpret incidents, sometimes to the detriment of the player being fouled.
“Knowing myself and my character, I know I am not a diver,” he said.
“If I fall on the ground then it is probably because something happened. In terms of laws, I just know that when I am on the ground I am not diving. It is their responsibility to see if it is a yellow or red, a foul or not a foul – that is their job.”
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Doku says physical confrontations are almost guaranteed whenever he plays.
“I would say in a week, at least one in a game where I feel it is a strong tackle, a heavy confrontation. I would say once a game. Fouls are fine, as long as I don’t get injured. I see it as a compliment, they can’t take the ball.”
For him, being fouled is proof that defenders are struggling to cope. Yet the frustration lies in how those fouls are perceived.
The winger insists he does not seek contact, nor does he look to deceive referees. Instead, he believes there is a misunderstanding about his natural balance and movement.
“For me it is more about the diving thing. When I don’t get a foul, I am not diving. That is sometimes frustrating because I know my character and if I fall on the ground, it is because something happened.
“Sometimes players tell me more to fall more on the ground. That is more frustrating for sure.”
